Street Samaritans
Community Outreach Specialist
Location:
Chicago, Illinois Job Type:
Full-Time Reports to:
Manager of Street-Based Services Salary:
$24.00 per hour About Street Samaritans
Street Samaritans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Our mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey. We aim to empower and support individuals to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency, while also advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of homelessness. Job Summary
The Community Outreach Specialist will serve as part of our multidisciplinary Street Homeless Outreach Program team, actively working in communities to identify individuals and families living in unsheltered locations. This position focuses on building rapport through pre-engagement activities, providing trauma-informed case management services, and connecting participants to emergency shelter, housing pathways, and critical services. The role requires a compassionate approach grounded in Housing First principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction practices.
Key Responsibilities Outreach & Engagement:
Conduct progressive engagement with individuals and families experiencing homelessness in unsheltered, non-traditional locations throughout Chicago. Build trusting relationships through pre-engagement and engagement activities designed to meet people where they are. Provide urgent, non-facility-based care and connect individuals with emergency shelter, housing, and critical services. Participate in DFSS-led encampment strategies and citywide outreach efforts. Case Management & Assessment:
Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments covering clients' immediate and long-term needs. Develop individualized service plans aligned with participants' self-identified goals and location-specific needs. Provide client-centered, strengths-based case management services including advocacy, crisis intervention, and problem-solving support. Facilitate access to Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments for housing placement. Service Coordination & Linkages:
Connect participants to health care, mental health services, substance use treatment, and recovery supports. Assist with identification and application processes for housing pathways and benefits programs. Provide warm handoffs to housing providers and other service partners. Accompany participants through referral processes to ensure successful connections to appropriate services. Coordinate with referring agencies and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners. Documentation & Data Management:
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) following outreach workflow protocols. Complete all required case notes, assessments, and service plan updates in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements. Ensure audit readiness throughout the year and participate in programmatic monitoring. Provide time-limited follow-ups to maximize participants' ability to maintain housing and supports after program exit. Professional Development & Collaboration:
Participate in partner meetings, trainings, and monitoring activities. Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and agency events as required. Apply de-escalation, conflict mediation, and crisis intervention techniques. Maintain caseload not exceeding 25 enrolled participants per staff member (1:25 ratio).
Required Qualifications:
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel throughout Chicago. At least 2 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build trusting relationships. Knowledge of community resources and experience navigating complex systems. Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities. Commitment to justice, equity, and working with diverse populations. Experience with database management and case management software. Preferred Qualifications:
Lived experience of homelessness strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field, or equivalent work experience. Experience in the homeless service sector. Familiarity with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). Fluency in Spanish is a significant plus. Training or certification in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, or recovery services. Experience with Coordinated Entry System processes. Compensation & Benefits:
Health Insurance:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement:
401(k) plan Paid Time Off:
15 days total paid time off (including 5 sick days under separate policy). 8 paid holidays 24 hours of floating holiday time earned throughout the year.
Professional Development:
Ongoing training and supervision opportunities.
Work Environment
This position requires travel throughout Chicago to conduct mobile outreach services. The candidate will have flexibility in setting their schedule to accommodate work-life balance, though participation in specific projects or initiatives may be required with advance notice. A significant portion of administrative work can be completed remotely, and candidates are encouraged to utilize work-from-home options if they find it productive and preferable for their success. Work involves conducting outreach in various community settings including streets, shelters, and other non-traditional locations. Staff must be prepared to work with individuals experiencing mental illness, chronic health issues, disabilities, and substance use disorders in sometimes challenging environments. Equal Opportunity Employment
Street Samaritans provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Chicago, Illinois Job Type:
Full-Time Reports to:
Manager of Street-Based Services Salary:
$24.00 per hour About Street Samaritans
Street Samaritans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Our mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey. We aim to empower and support individuals to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency, while also advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of homelessness. Job Summary
The Community Outreach Specialist will serve as part of our multidisciplinary Street Homeless Outreach Program team, actively working in communities to identify individuals and families living in unsheltered locations. This position focuses on building rapport through pre-engagement activities, providing trauma-informed case management services, and connecting participants to emergency shelter, housing pathways, and critical services. The role requires a compassionate approach grounded in Housing First principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction practices.
Key Responsibilities Outreach & Engagement:
Conduct progressive engagement with individuals and families experiencing homelessness in unsheltered, non-traditional locations throughout Chicago. Build trusting relationships through pre-engagement and engagement activities designed to meet people where they are. Provide urgent, non-facility-based care and connect individuals with emergency shelter, housing, and critical services. Participate in DFSS-led encampment strategies and citywide outreach efforts. Case Management & Assessment:
Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments covering clients' immediate and long-term needs. Develop individualized service plans aligned with participants' self-identified goals and location-specific needs. Provide client-centered, strengths-based case management services including advocacy, crisis intervention, and problem-solving support. Facilitate access to Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments for housing placement. Service Coordination & Linkages:
Connect participants to health care, mental health services, substance use treatment, and recovery supports. Assist with identification and application processes for housing pathways and benefits programs. Provide warm handoffs to housing providers and other service partners. Accompany participants through referral processes to ensure successful connections to appropriate services. Coordinate with referring agencies and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners. Documentation & Data Management:
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) following outreach workflow protocols. Complete all required case notes, assessments, and service plan updates in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements. Ensure audit readiness throughout the year and participate in programmatic monitoring. Provide time-limited follow-ups to maximize participants' ability to maintain housing and supports after program exit. Professional Development & Collaboration:
Participate in partner meetings, trainings, and monitoring activities. Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and agency events as required. Apply de-escalation, conflict mediation, and crisis intervention techniques. Maintain caseload not exceeding 25 enrolled participants per staff member (1:25 ratio).
Required Qualifications:
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel throughout Chicago. At least 2 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build trusting relationships. Knowledge of community resources and experience navigating complex systems. Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities. Commitment to justice, equity, and working with diverse populations. Experience with database management and case management software. Preferred Qualifications:
Lived experience of homelessness strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field, or equivalent work experience. Experience in the homeless service sector. Familiarity with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). Fluency in Spanish is a significant plus. Training or certification in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, or recovery services. Experience with Coordinated Entry System processes. Compensation & Benefits:
Health Insurance:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement:
401(k) plan Paid Time Off:
15 days total paid time off (including 5 sick days under separate policy). 8 paid holidays 24 hours of floating holiday time earned throughout the year.
Professional Development:
Ongoing training and supervision opportunities.
Work Environment
This position requires travel throughout Chicago to conduct mobile outreach services. The candidate will have flexibility in setting their schedule to accommodate work-life balance, though participation in specific projects or initiatives may be required with advance notice. A significant portion of administrative work can be completed remotely, and candidates are encouraged to utilize work-from-home options if they find it productive and preferable for their success. Work involves conducting outreach in various community settings including streets, shelters, and other non-traditional locations. Staff must be prepared to work with individuals experiencing mental illness, chronic health issues, disabilities, and substance use disorders in sometimes challenging environments. Equal Opportunity Employment
Street Samaritans provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. #J-18808-Ljbffr